Adjustable packer wheel seeding system and method

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/336,158, entitled “ADJUSTABLE PACKER WHEEL SEEDING SYSTEM ANDMETHOD”, filed Dec. 23, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/069,152, entitled “ADJUSTABLE PACKER WHEELSEEDING SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Mar. 22, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,100,192), which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/472,763, entitled “ADJUSTABLE PACKER WHEEL SEEDING SYSTEM ANDMETHOD”, filed May 27, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,931). Each of theforegoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of agriculturalimplements, such as tillers and implements towed behind a work vehicle,such as a tractor.

A wide range of agricultural implements have been developed and arepresently in use for tilling, cultivating, harvesting, seeding, and soforth. Seeding implements, for example, are towed behind tractors andopen rows of soil for deposition of a seed or product in the soil. Theimplement may include a plurality of ground engaging tools. The groundengaging tools may encounter obstacles in the field, such as large clodsor rocks. The obstacles may deform, damage, and/or break the tools ifthe implement is traveling at a high speed and/or the obstacle is large.Some implements may be configured to lift the tools upon encountering anobstacle. Unfortunately, such configurations of the implement maysacrifice accuracy and control over the depth of soil valleys in orderto avoid tool damage due to obstacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured tocouple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and aground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank iscoupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packerwheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool,wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the groundengaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region.Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured toshift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging toolencountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardlyafter the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a precision hoe opener assembly in accordancewith aspects of the invention, including an opener, a packer wheel, anda soil shaping assembly;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the opener assembly of FIG. 1, showing theopener implement, soil leveling and packer wheel assemblies;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the opener assembly of FIG. 1, showing theopener implement, soil leveling and packer wheel assemblies;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a precision hoe openerassembly in accordance with aspects of the invention, including anopener, a packer wheel, and a soil shaping assembly; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the opener assembly of FIG. 3, showing theopener implement, soil leveling and packer wheel assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings and referring first to FIG. 1, an embodimentof a precision hoe opener assembly is illustrated and designatedgenerally by reference numeral 10. As may be appreciated, the precisionhoe opener assembly 10 is a type of row unit, which may be placed on anagricultural implement, such as a planter or seeder. The precision hoeopener assembly 10 includes a frame support 12, a packer wheel assembly14, an adjustment mechanism 16, a first member 18, a linear actuator, inthe form of cylinder 20, and a second member 22. The cylinder 20 may bea hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder assembly and may be coupled to a powersupply that is used to provide a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid todisplace as a rod extending from the cylinder. The precision hoe openerassembly 10 may be part of an implement assembly that is towed by avehicle, such as a tractor. For example, the frame support 12 may coupleto a tool frame tool bar connected to the tractor, via a hitch assembly,for towing the precision hoe opener assembly 10. For instance, aplurality of precision hoe opener assembly 10 may be mounted in parallelalong a tool frame bar to comprise a seeder implement or unit.

As discussed in detail below, the precision hoe opener assembly 10enables the depth and position of the opener to be controlled by thepacker wheel assembly 14, thereby enabling each of the openers of aseeder unit to be independently controlled, enhancing seedingperformance and accuracy. Precise depth control may lead to improvedcrop fertilization and yield. Alternatively, in other systems, the depthof an implement hoe openers may be controlled by a single mechanismcoupled to a tool bar, such as a plurality of support wheels. Forexample, the depth of a soil valley or groove created by each of the hoeopeners may increase as the supporting wheels lower the tool bar andframe toward the soil. In such a case, seeding accuracy may be reduceddue to the large swaths of land and changes in elevation encountered bythe implement. In the depicted embodiment, the precision hoe openerassembly 10 includes a packer wheel assembly 14 coupled to the precisionhoe opener assembly 10. The packer wheel assembly 14 includes theadjustment mechanism 16 configured to shift a packer wheel upon a groundengaging hoe opener encountering an obstacle. Accordingly, the packerwheel may be positioned directly behind the hoe opener to enable greaterdepth accuracy and control over the seeding process while providingsufficient clearance to enable the hoe opener to avoid damage fromobstacles. As may be appreciated, components of the precision hoe openerassembly 10, such as the frame support 12, the packer wheel assembly 14,the first member 18, and the second member 22, may be made of anysuitable durable material, such as a stainless steel or a metal alloy.

As depicted, the cylinder 20 is attached to a shank adapter 24 via a pinat the end of a piston rod of the cylinder 20. The shank adapter 24 isalso coupled to a shank 26 and a ground engaging hoe opener 28. Theshank adapter 24 may be coupled to the shank 26 via fasteners, such asbolts or rivets, which enable position adjustments of the hoe opener 28.Further, adjustments of the hoe opener 28 via the fasteners, along withthe packer wheel 14, enable a variable seeding depth for the precisionhoe opener assembly 10. As depicted, the hoe opener 28 is in a forward,neutral, or normal working position, wherein the opener is engaging asoil 30 region to create a valley or groove for seeding. As theelevation of the soil 30 fluctuates, the position of the hoe opener 28may move upward or downward from the illustrated neutral or normalposition. The cylinder is extended in the normal position, therebydeploying the hoe opener 28 downward into the soil 30, pressing theshank adapter 24 against rear frame stops 32. In addition the surface ofthe soil 30 may be shaped and moved by the hoe opener 28. By positioningthe packer wheel assembly 14 close to the hoe opener 28, via theadjustment assembly 16, the depth of the valley created in the soil 30may be precisely controlled.

The hoe opener 28 moves upward or downward based upon the retraction orextension of the cylinder 20. As the cylinder 20 retracts, a stop plate34 may press upon a portion of a rear frame 36, creating a lifting forcethat is conveyed to the packer wheel assembly 14. As depicted, thepacker wheel assembly includes an arm or member that is coupled to therear frame 36. The resulting lifting force, caused by the cylinder 20,reduces the packing force of the packer wheel 14. In the embodimentillustrated, a packer wheel arm 37 or member may enable a heightadjustment of the packer wheel assembly 14 via the coupling, which maybe an adjustable U-bolt or other fastener. The position of a packerwheel 38 and the packer wheel assembly 14 controls the depth of thevalley opened in the soil 30 by the hoe opener 28. The packer wheel 38may be supported by, and coupled to, the packer wheel assembly 14 via anaxle 40. For example, the axle 40 may be positioned in a slot 42 andthrough a center of the packer wheel 38, thereby rotationally supportingthe packer wheel 38 and a portion of the precision hoe opener assembly10. In addition, the axle 40 is also coupled to a biasing member 44,such as a spring. The biasing member 44 may be configured to urge thepacker wheel 38 forwardly within the slot 42, which is located in amounting bracket 46. Additionally, the biasing member 44 may be securedto both the axle 40 and a portion of the mounting bracket 46. The axle40 may be coupled to the shank 26 via a pivot pin 48 and a linkagemember 50. For example, the linkage member 50 may be comprised of asuitable durable material, such as stainless steel, and may be pivotallymounted at each end to the pivot pin 48 and the axle 40. As will bediscussed in detail below, a movement of the linkage member 50 mayovercome the forces of the biasing member 44 to move the packer wheel 38rearwardly. The bracket 46 may be coupled to the packer wheel arm 37 viabolts 52, or other suitable coupling mechanism. After a valley in thesoil 30 is created by the hoe opener 28, a seeding assembly 54 maydeposit a seed in the valley for growth of a crop as desired by theoperator. The packer wheel assembly 12, adjustment mechanism 16, andpacker wheel 38 may be configured to include additional packer wheelsand/or openers, where the adjustment mechanism 16 enables improved seeddepth accuracy while providing clearance for tripping of at least oneopener.

The hoe opener 28 and shank 26 may trip and retract in a direction 60rearwardly and vertically, to avoid damage to the hoe opener 28 uponencountering obstacle or obstruction 62, such as a rock or large clod ofdirt. The hoe opener 28 and shank 26 may trip and pivot upon a boltcoupling 63, which couples the shank adapter 24 to the frame 36. As thehoe opener 28 trips in a direction 60, the coupling of the linkagemember 50 between the shank 26 and axle 40, moves the packer wheel 38rearwardly in a direction 64. Specifically, the pivot pin 48 movesrearwardly as the hoe opener 28 moves rearwardly, causing the linkagemember 50 to push the axle 40 rearwardly, as indicated by referencenumeral 64, in turn shifting the packer wheel 38 within the slot 42 toavoid contact with the hoe opener 28 and provide clearance. Further, therearward motion 60 of the shank 26 and hoe opener 28 provides sufficientforce to overcome the biasing member 44, thereby compressing the biasingmember 44 as the packer wheel moves rearwardly. The adjustment mechanism16, including the axle 40, slot 42, biasing member 44, pivot pin 48,linkage member 50, provides a system to enable the packer wheel 38 to beplaced directly behind the hoe opener 28.

By placing the packer wheel 38 directly behind the opener 28, seedingdepth accuracy is improved while providing a mechanism for trippingclearance, enabling the hoe opener 28 to move rearwardly withoutinterference of the packer wheel 38. For example, in a normal andforward position, the packer wheel 38 may be located a distance 66 fromthe hoe opener 28. Upon encountering the obstruction 62, the packerwheel 38 and adjustment mechanism 16 enable the packer wheel shiftrearwardly a distance 68, enabling clearance for the tripping mechanismof the hoe opener 28. In addition, the adjustment mechanism 16 isconfigured to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstacle 62 hasbeen passed over by the precision hoe opener assembly 10. The adjustmentmechanism 82 reduces repair and maintenance costs by allowing movementof the wheel, while improving crop yield and growth by otherwise movingthe wheel quite close behind the hoe opener. The adjustment mechanism 82also enables the packer wheel 38 to maintain contact with the soil 30 asthe precision hoe opener assembly 10 passes over the obstacle 62, whilethe hoe opener 28 is in a retracted position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of the precision hoe opener assembly10, with the hoe opener 28 retracted in the direction 60. As describedabove, the hoe opener 28 retracts to avoid damage from the obstacle 62,which may be a rock, large dirt clod or other debris. As the hoe opener28 and shank 26 move rearwardly, the member 50, via pivotal couplings 40and 48, causes the packer wheel 38 to move in the rearward direction 64.By moving the packer wheel 38 and compressing the biasing members 42,the adjustment mechanism 16 enables the hoe opener 28 to removerearwardly without interference between the components. Accordingly,after the precision hoe opener assembly passes the obstruction 62, thehoe opener 28 may be repositioned in the forward or normal workingposition, to engage the ground 30 with the packer wheel 38 and insure anaccurate seeding process.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the precision hoe opener assembly 10 andadjustment mechanism 16, as shown in FIG. 1. As depicted, the packerwheel 38 is located directly behind the hoe opener 28. Accordingly, thepacker wheel 38 is configured to pack seeding groove in the soil 30created by the hoe opener 28. Further, the positioning of the packerwheel 38 directly behind the hoe opener 28 enables improved depthcontrol of the seeding process, enhancing seeding efficiency and cropyield. Moreover, the adjustment mechanism 10 enables the hoe opener 28to avoid the obstacle 62, preventing damage to the assembly and savingsystem downtime and repair cost.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another example of the precision hoe openerassembly 10, including a packer wheel assembly 80 and adjustmentmechanism 82. The precision hoe opener assembly 10 includes the members18 and 22, which work with the cylinder 20 to control the position ofthe packer wheel assembly 80 and shank 26. Further, the rear frame 36 iscoupled to the packer wheel assembly 80 via the packer wheel arm 37. Thepacker wheel arm 37 may be attached to the rear frame 36 via fasteners,such as bolts that are U-shaped or rivets. Further, the shank 26 may becoupled to a protruding member 84 that is part of the adjustmentmechanism 82 to provide clearance to the hoe opener 28 upon tripping inthe rearward direction 60. Specifically, the protruding member 84 maycontact a receiving surface 86 of a receiving member 88 when the hoeopener 28 moves in the rearward direction 60. The receiving member 88may be coupled to an axle 90, which rotationally supports the packerwheel 38. The axle 90 is located within a slot 92 and is coupled to abiasing member 94, such as a spring, that is configured to urge thepacker wheel 38 forward. The slot 92 is located in a bracket 96configured to support the packer wheel 38 and couple to the packer wheelarm 37 via fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. The receiving member 88may also be coupled, via a pin 98, to a second slot 100 in the bracket96. The slot 100 may provide additional support between the receivingmember 88, bracket 96, and other components of the adjustment mechanism92. Further, the slot 100 may include a biasing member 102, wherein thebiasing members 94 and 102 cooperatively urge the packer wheel 38 in aforward direction. The assembly also includes a third slot 103, tofurther provide support as the packer wheel is pushed rearwardly 64 toprovide clearance for the hoe opener 28.

As may be appreciated, the hoe opener 28 may trip in the rearwarddirection 60 upon encountering the obstacle 62, necessitating aclearance from the packer wheel 38 to avoid interference between thewheel 38 and opener 28. Further, preventing the hoe opener 28 fromengaging the obstacle 62 avoids damage to components, such as a chisel,of the hoe opener, reducing or eliminating costly repairs. As the hoeopener 28 shifts rearwardly, the protruding member 84 engages thereceiving member 88, via the receiving surface 86. Accordingly, thereceiving member 88 may be pushed rearwardly in the direction 64,overcoming the forces of the biasing members 94 and 102 to move thepacker wheel 38 rearwardly. Further, the depicted normal or forwardposition of the packer wheel 38 positions the packer wheel at a distance104 from the hoe opener 28. In addition, as the hoe opener 28 encountersthe obstacle 62, the adjustment mechanism 82, including the protrudingmember 84, receiving member 88, slot 92, and biasing member 94 enablesthe packer wheel 38 to move rearwardly a distance 106. In addition, theadjustment mechanism 82 is configured to shift the packer wheelforwardly after the obstacle 62 has been passed over by the precisionhoe opener assembly 10.

Further, the adjustment mechanism 82 and packer wheel assembly 80 areconfigured to move the packer wheel 38 from a position directly behindthe opener 28, rearwardly to provide clearance for the hoe opener 28upon tripping. The adjustment mechanism 82 also enables the packer wheel38 to maintain contact with the soil 30 as the precision hoe openerassembly 10 passes over the obstacle 62, while the hoe opener 28 is in aretracted position. The arrangement of the adjustment mechanism 82,packer wheel assembly 80, and hoe opener 28 enable the precision hoeopener assembly 10 to provide improved accuracy and control over seedingdepth while accounting for obstacles to prevent damage to the assembly.Accordingly, the adjustment mechanism 82 reduces repair and maintenancecosts while improving crop yield and growth.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the precision hoe opener assembly 10 andadjustment mechanism 82, as shown in FIG. 4. As depicted, the packerwheel 38 is positioned directly behind the hoe opener 28, providing aprecise seeding depth control for the precision hoe opener assembly 10,increasing crop yield and minimizing the number of passes needed tofertilize a field. Further, the adjustment mechanism 82 providesclearance for the hoe opener 28 to retract rearwardly by moving thepacker wheel 38 rearwardly. The adjustment mechanism enables the packerwheel 38 to avoid interference with the tripped hoe opener 28 by movingrearwardly and returns the packer wheel 38 to the forward position afterthe obstacle 62 has been passed over by the hoe opener assembly 10.Moreover, by providing clearance to the hoe opener 28, the adjustmentmechanism 82 prevents and avoids damage to the hoe opener 28, thusavoiding downtime while saving repair costs for the precision hoe openerassembly 10.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

1. A method of seeding, comprising: opening a valley in a field with ahoe opener while the hoe opener is in a ground engaging position;controlling a depth of the valley via a packer wheel assembly having apacker wheel mounted to a bracket, wherein the packer wheel ispositioned directly behind the hoe opener in a first position while thehoe opener is in the ground engaging position, and the bracket iscoupled to a packer wheel arm extending between the bracket and alinkage assembly; shifting the packer wheel in a rearward directionrelative to the packer wheel arm to a second position, via an adjustmentmechanism, when the hoe opener encounters an obstruction and moves inthe rearward direction toward a disengaged position; and shifting thepacker wheel in a forward direction relative to the packer wheel arm tothe first position, via the adjustment mechanism, as the hoe openertransitions to the ground engaging position after the obstruction hasbeen passed by the hoe opener; wherein shifting the packer wheel in therearward direction comprises shifting the packer wheel only rearwardly,and shifting the packer wheel in the forward direction comprisesshifting the packer wheel only forwardly.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the packer wheel assembly comprises an axle rotationallysupporting the packer wheel on the bracket via a coupling of the axleand a slot in the bracket, and a biasing member coupled to the axle forurging the packer wheel in the forward direction within the slot.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein shifting the packer wheel in the rearwarddirection comprises driving the axle rearwardly within the slot via alinkage member extending between the axle and a shank coupled to the hoeopener.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein shifting the packer wheel inthe rearward direction comprises shifting the packer wheel rearwardlyabout 8 to about 12 inches.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereincontrolling the depth of the valley comprises controlling the depthbetween about 3 to about 6 inches.
 6. The method of claim 1, comprisingmaintaining contact between the packer wheel and a soil surface whilethe packer wheel is in the first and second positions.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the hoe opener and packer wheel are about 6 to about 10inches apart when the hoe opener is in the ground engaging position. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein shifting the packer wheel in the rearwarddirection comprises shifting the packer wheel rearwardly such that thepacker wheel does not contact the hoe opener as the hoe opener moves inthe rearward direction toward the disengaged position.
 9. A method ofseeding, comprising: opening a valley in a field with a hoe opener whilethe hoe opener is in a ground engaging position; controlling a depth ofthe valley to between about 3 to about 6 inches via a packer wheelassembly having a packer wheel mounted to a bracket, wherein the packerwheel is positioned behind the hoe opener in a first position while thehoe opener is in the ground engaging position, and the bracket iscoupled to a packer wheel arm extending between the bracket and alinkage assembly; shifting the packer wheel in a rearward directionrelative to the packer wheel arm to a second position, via an adjustmentmechanism, when the hoe opener moves in the rearward direction toward adisengaged position; and shifting the packer wheel in a forwarddirection relative to the packer wheel arm to the first position, viathe adjustment mechanism, as the hoe opener transitions to the groundengaging position.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the packer wheelassembly comprises an axle rotationally supporting the packer wheel onthe bracket via a coupling of the axle and a slot in the bracket, and abiasing member coupled to the axle for urging the packer wheel in theforward direction within the slot.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinshifting the packer wheel in the rearward direction comprises drivingthe axle rearwardly within the slot via a linkage member extendingbetween the axle and a shank coupled to the hoe opener.
 12. The methodof claim 9, wherein shifting the packer wheel in the rearward directioncomprises shifting the packer wheel rearwardly about 8 to about 12inches.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the hoe opener and packerwheel are about 6 to about 10 inches apart when the hoe opener is in theground engaging position.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein shiftingthe packer wheel in the rearward direction comprises shifting the packerwheel rearwardly such that the packer wheel does not contact the hoeopener as the hoe opener moves in the rearward direction toward thedisengaged position.
 15. The method of claim 9, comprising maintainingcontact between the packer wheel and a soil surface as the packer wheelis shifted in the rearward and forward directions.
 16. A method ofseeding, comprising: opening a valley in a field with a hoe opener whilethe hoe opener is in a ground engaging position; controlling a depth ofthe valley via a packer wheel assembly having a packer wheel mounted toa bracket, wherein the packer wheel is positioned behind the hoe openerin a first position while the hoe opener is in the ground engagingposition, and the bracket is coupled to a packer wheel arm extendingbetween the bracket and a linkage assembly, wherein the hoe opener andpacker wheel are about 6 to about 10 inches apart when the hoe opener isin the ground engaging position; shifting the packer wheel in a rearwarddirection relative to the packer wheel arm to a second position, via anadjustment mechanism, when the hoe opener moves in the rearwarddirection toward a disengaged position; and shifting the packer wheel ina forward direction relative to the packer wheel arm to the firstposition, via the adjustment mechanism, as the hoe opener transitions tothe ground engaging position; wherein the adjustment mechanism does notpermit the packer wheel to move vertically.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the packer wheel assembly comprises an axle rotationallysupporting the packer wheel on the bracket via a coupling of the axleand a slot in the bracket, and a biasing member coupled to the axle forurging the packer wheel in the forward direction within the slot. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein shifting the packer wheel in therearward direction comprises shifting the packer wheel rearwardly about8 to about 12 inches.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein shifting thepacker wheel in the rearward direction comprises shifting the packerwheel rearwardly such that the packer wheel does not contact the hoeopener as the hoe opener moves in the rearward direction toward thedisengaged position.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the packerwheel is positioned directly behind the hoe opener while the hoe openeris in the ground engaging position.